Eukaryotic gene regulation

Histone proteins

Proteins that help package DNA into nucleosomes, making up the structure of chromatin.

Nucleosome

A structural unit of chromatin consisting of DNA wrapped around histone proteins.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA, RNA, and proteins, including histones, that makes up chromosomes.

Acetylation of histones

A chemical modification that loosens histones, increasing gene transcription by making DNA more accessible.

Nucleosome sliding

The process by which histones are repositioned to increase DNA accessibility for transcription.

DNA methylation

The addition of methyl groups to DNA that blocks transcription and prevents gene expression.

Alternative splicing

A process that allows different exons of a gene to be combined in various ways, producing multiple protein products.

Posttranslational modifications

Chemical modifications of proteins after translation, such as acetylation and methylation, that affect gene expression.

Gene regulatory elements

Regions of DNA that regulate the expression of a gene, including enhancers and promoters.

Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA)

A technique used to study protein-DNA interactions by observing the shift of DNA in a gel due to binding.

Histone acetylation

The addition of acetyl groups to histones that enhances gene expression by opening up chromatin structure.